Ichiro's Malt Chichibu 2021 The US Edition Single Malt Japanese Whisky

A distinctive and richly expressive whisky from Japan’s craft powerhouse, this US-exclusive edition offers bold strength (53.5% ABV) and a refined, fruit-driven profile that exemplifies the depth and elegance of Japanese single malt. It is both collectible and highly drinkable—ideal for the enthusiast seeking something special.

Origins & Craftsmanship

From the renowned Chichibu Distillery in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, this “US Edition” release is drawn from a select assembly of barrels — including new American oak, first-fill hogsheads and carefully chosen casks — distillate matured at craft scale. The result is a single malt bottled at 53.5% ABV and non–chill-filtered to retain maximum character for the US market. It represents the distillery’s dedication to traditional pot-still distillation, Mizunara-oak fermentation vessels and meticulous barrel selection.

Critics Reviews

• Jonny McCormick of Whisky Advocate rated the release 92 points, praising its “abundant, generous nose of baked fruit — peach, dried apricot, orange — and polished wood; on the palate apple, peach, barley sugar, sweet vanilla, pepper and clove build into a finish of peach cobbler.”

• A tasting blogger at Diving for Pearls described it as “classic Chichibu but dialled up: toasted barley, tropical guava and kiwi acidity, orange candy sweetness, and a peppery yet sweet finish with limed-green highlights.” The review gave a numeric rating of 88 points.

• Enthusiast commentary observes this edition as “the house style matured for collectors and serious drinkers alike — more oak underlying than prior editions, yet the hallmark fruit and barley-grain spirit remain very much in focus.”

Tasting Profile

• Nose: Pop of toasted barley, ripe kiwi and guava, crisp green apple, candied orange peel, light vanilla and delicate rose petal on a clean oak foundation.

• Palate: Medium-full body: tropical fruit (guava, pineapple) leads, followed by baked pear, nutmeg, dark cocoa, fresh ginger and peppery spice. Tropical and orchard fruits intertwine with polished malt and wood.

• Finish: Long, warming and layered: maraschino cherry, lime zest, gentle oak tannin, subtle peat smoke and a final flourish of toasted almond.

Quick Overview